Category: issues

“The two-year budget proposed by legislative Democrats last week did not preserve any of the line-item funding in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 fiscal years. ‘We didn’t think it was a wise use of taxpayer money to fund an organization that is in bankruptcy’,” said the co-chairman of an appropriations subcommittee in the Connecticut state senate.

Says a spokesman for the Diocese of Leeds: “It is a debate that has been going on in the Church for a long time – are we doing a cabaret or are we actually celebrating the Eucharist? The fear is that if some guidance is not given and general decisions are not put down, the interpretation of the liturgy leads to unsuitable things, like strobe lights and girls in hotpants.”

“Ontario culture minister Aileen Carroll announced a major boost to six cultural agencies yesterday, pledging $43.4-million in new operating funds this year. Flanked by elated cultural leaders whose organizations have been battered by the declining economy, she announced a one-time boost of $18.6-million for 2009-2010 and an annual operating increase of $24.8-million to be split among six institutions.”

“Culture, despite the virtual absence of Jews here, has … helped shift attitudes in this country, not entirely but significantly. Walk into a Polish bookstore these days, and you’ll find shelves heaving with volumes about Jewish history and culture. There is a Jewish book fair here in Warsaw, a Jewish cultural festival in Krakow, not to mention Mr. Halbersztadt’s museum, planned to open in 2012.”

“Unfortunately, the new high school of the arts is caught in one of those peculiar Los Angeles time warps — a gap created by the disparity between old grievances and the uncertain but hopeful future. Whether or not it was a good idea to build such a lavish arts education facility, we now have one. It, like our children, deserves a chance to succeed….”

“If Salt Lake County is able to follow its new master plan, arts lovers could see cultural hubs in the suburbs, upgrades to beloved amphitheaters from Murray to Draper, the reincarnation of a defunct sugar factory in West Jordan and a film center in the capital’s downtown.”

“The African American World Cultural Center Inc. said Monday that its board voted March 23 to dissolve as an organization, ending plans to build a community-owned cultural center in Milwaukee. The organization will cease to exist as of April 15.”

“Canada’s major festivals can breathe a sigh of relief. The federal government has confirmed it will spend $100 million over the next two years to give marquee events a boost during these tough economic times.”

New “research, presented in late March at the annual meeting of the Association of American Geographers, locates hot spots based on the frequency and draw of cultural happenings: film and television screenings, concerts, fashion shows, gallery and theater openings.” The study, “The Geography of Buzz,” aimed “to be able to quantify and understand, visually and spatially, how this creative cultural scene really worked.”

“New York City will expand loan opportunities and find ways to help the city’s 40,000 nonprofit organizations reduce costs and find new donors in the midst of the economic downturn, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. The program will focus on nonprofits that conduct job training, provide health services and promote the city’s arts and culture, all of which have experienced cash-flow problems and declines in operating support….”